Latest news with #AFCWomen'sAsianCup2026Qualifiers
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Azurin intends to elevate woman football to a new level
PETALING JAYA: National women's football team goalkeeper Nur Azurin Mazlan (pic) has returned home with renewed zeal after a successful five-month stint in the European league. The 25-year-old shot-stopper had played for KFF Vllaznia in the Albanian women's league (Kategoria Superiore Femra) since January and went on to help them win the league. Azurin said the valuable experience had made her a better player and person. 'The game intensity was different. It was fast, aggressive, and tactical,' said Azurin. 'You really see the gap between UEFA Champions League-level women teams and where we stand in Malaysia. 'In fact, one of the girls asked me – where is Malaysia? I was shocked. 'But I also realised that this is our reality – we're a small footballing nation although we have a rich background, passionate fans, and talented players. 'I hope what I've learnt from Albania can help our national team. There were a lot of new experiences and challenges that I hope to share with my teammates,' she said. Azurin is one of the key figures in the Malaysian Tigress squad. She and her teammates have started their training camp under new coach Joel Cornelli from Brazil. They are scheduled to play in international friendlies against Bhutan and Hong Kong before heading to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers from June 23-July 5. 'Honestly, most of the players are adapting. It's a new environment. But that's part of the process – we have to go through the changes if we want to grow,' said Azurin. 'The new coach has a strong background, and we're excited to learn new systems and tactics. Get new perspectives.' Having broken barriers overseas, Azurin now finds herself in a new kind of leadership role. She's not just a goalkeeper anymore – she's an example of what's possible and is determined to pass that belief on to the next generation.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Indian Women's Football Team To Play Uzbekistan In Two International Friendlies
The Indian senior women's team will play two FIFA international friendly matches against Uzbekistan in the May/June window, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Thursday. The two matches against Uzbekistan will be played on May 30 and June 3 at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The Blue Tigresses, coached by Crispin Chettri, are preparing for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, having begun their camp in Bengaluru on May 1. India have been drawn in Group B, where they are set to face Mongolia (June 23), Timor-Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2), and hosts Thailand (July 5), in Chiang Mai. India, who are at 69th position in the FIFA Women's Rankings, have played Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, on 13 occasions. The White Wolves have come out victorious on nine occasions, while the Blue Tigresses have won one match. Three matches between the two sides have ended in draws. FIFA Women's International Friendlies: May 30: India vs Uzbekistan; Padukone-Dravid CSE June 3: India vs Uzbekistan; Padukone-Dravid CSE India probables: Goalkeepers: Payal Basude, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Keisham Melody Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi. Defenders: Purnima Kumari, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Martina Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh, Sanju, Malati Munda, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Viksit Bara, Hemam Shilky Devi. Midfielders: Kiran Pisda, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Muskan Subba, Lisham Babina Devi, Karthika Angamuthu, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Sangita Basfore, Priyadharshini S, Baby Sana, Santosh, Anju Tamang. Forwards: Mousumi Murmu, Malavika P, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Soumya Guguloth, Sulanjana Raul, Lynda Kom Serto, Rimpa Haldar, Manisha Naik, Renu, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Sumati Kumari, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Indian women's football team to play Uzbekistan in two international friendlies
New Delhi, The Indian senior women's team will play two FIFA international friendly matches against Uzbekistan in the May/June window, the All India Football Federation said on Thursday. The two matches against Uzbekistan will be played on May 30 and June 3 at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The Blue Tigresses, coached by Crispin Chettri, are preparing for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, having begun their camp in Bengaluru on May 1. India have been drawn in Group B, where they are set to face Mongolia , Timor-Leste , Iraq , and hosts Thailand , in Chiang Mai. India, who are at 69th position in the FIFA Women's Rankings, have played Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, on 13 occasions. The White Wolves have come out victorious on nine occasions, while the Blue Tigresses have won one match. Three matches between the two sides have ended in draws. FIFA Women's International Friendlies: May 30: India vs Uzbekistan; Padukone-Dravid CSE June 3: India vs Uzbekistan; Padukone-Dravid CSE India probables: Goalkeepers: Payal Basude, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Keisham Melody Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi. Defenders: Purnima Kumari, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Martina Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh, Sanju, Malati Munda, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Viksit Bara, Hemam Shilky Devi. Midfielders: Kiran Pisda, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Muskan Subba, Lisham Babina Devi, Karthika Angamuthu, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Sangita Basfore, Priyadharshini S, Baby Sana, Santosh, Anju Tamang. Forwards: Mousumi Murmu, Malavika P, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Soumya Guguloth, Sulanjana Raul, Lynda Kom Serto, Rimpa Haldar, Manisha Naik, Renu, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Sumati Kumari, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei. Head Coach: Crispin Chettri Assistant Coach: Priya PV Goalkeeper Coach: Dipankar Choudhury.
